PAUL BRUHA of Animal House, LaCrosse, Wis. rips into a pitch during the 2017 NAFA A Division World Series at Northside Softball Complex in Fargo, Thursday, in the opening day of the 38-team event that runs through Sunday. Photo By BOB OTTO / 2017 NAFA World Series

Lon Andersen has battled cancer that nearly claimed his life, he’s undergone two hip replacements, he was in a coma for four days. Yet despite these debilitating setbacks that would sideline those of a weaker constitution, Anderson stubbornly refuses to give up fastpitch softball.

“My doctor told me it’s time to quit,” said the 62-year-old Andersen. “I can’t play basketball anymore, but I’ve kept on playing fastpitch against his advice.”